PS3 exclusive

Lore & Background

The world of *Journey* is a vast, desolate desert, littered with the ruins of an ancient civilization. The player character, a robed figure, awakens at the foot of a glowing mountain and is compelled to travel toward its peak. Along the way, the traveler discovers remnants of a fallen society—murals, scarves, and machines—that hint at a lost age of flight and prosperity. The journey is both physical and spiritual, with the mountain representing a goal that is as much about inner transformation as it is about reaching a destination.

In Their Own Story

The wind howls across the endless dunes as the robed traveler crests a ridge. Below, a crumbling bridge spans a chasm, its stones held together by ancient magic. A faint chime echoes from the ruins ahead, and the traveler feels a pull—not just toward the mountain, but toward something deeper. As they glide over the sand, a second robed figure appears on the horizon, moving in silence. Together, without a word, they leap across broken pillars, their scarves fluttering in the wind, bound by a shared purpose that transcends language.

Reader's Guide

Developed by thatgamecompany, *Journey* was the studio's third title, following *flOw* and *Flower*. The game was directed by Jenova Chen and designed with a focus on emotional resonance and minimalist interaction. It was built using the PhyreEngine and released exclusively for PlayStation 3 via the PlayStation Network in 2012. The game received universal acclaim for its art direction, music (composed by Austin Wintory), and innovative multiplayer that paired players anonymously. Critics praised its ability to evoke deep emotion without dialogue or text. *Journey* won numerous Game of the Year awards and was later re-released on PlayStation 4 and PC, but its original PS3 release remains a landmark in artistic game design.

Did You Know?

• The game's multiplayer system was designed so that players cannot communicate through voice or text, only through a musical chime, encouraging non-verbal cooperation.
• The flowing scarf worn by the traveler grows longer as the player collects glowing symbols, enabling longer flight.
• The game's soundtrack by Austin Wintory was the first video game score nominated for a Grammy Award.
• The mountain at the center of the journey was inspired by the director's personal experiences and the concept of a pilgrimage.